Thoughts about possible parking

[thezenvan]

I just recently got my van and I'm starting the conversion. From the research I've done I compiled a list of possible parking locations for city boondocking which includes Walmart, hospitals, hotels, colleges, 24-hour gyms, residential and industrial locations.

I had an idea for another possible location recently, when I bought my van I rented a car one-way because I had to drive about 160 miles to the dealership and I parked my car in the parking lot of the rental car company and it was parked there overnight until I went back to get it. I think I'll add non-airport car rental locations to my list (airport locations usually have paid parking).

Just thought I'd share that as another possible parking location for city boondocking.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Train stations and bus terminals?

Although, probably not the quietest places to sleep, now that I think about it.

 

[slynne]

hmm. Train station idea seems good. A few years ago, I took a train from Martinez, Ca to Los Angeles and was able to leave my car in the Amtrak lot for the entire week I was gone. I just had to get a parking card to put on my dash from the desk inside the station and all I had to do for that was show my ticket. I paid $48 for the roundtrip ticket so was able to park for a week there for $48, which isnt bad for the Bay area. I am not sure if there is security in the lot which would kick you out for sleeping in a vehicle though. In Ann Arbor, you can park at the Amtrak station for free and I am pretty sure there is no security in the lot there. Seems like it could be worth trying?

 

[thezenvan]

Haven't thought about those options, I'll add them to my list

 

[ArtW]

No way in hell I would overnight on a college campus, ESPECIALLY as a man sleeping in a van
at best you will be hustled off quickly and unkindly if spotted, at worst you may be arrested on suspicion

 

[bullfrog]

Maybe you could still do the register for an early morning P.E. class like swimming or tennis and then get a student parking pass as well as all the hot showers if in an urban area for a few months.

 

[slynne]

Maybe you could still do the register for an early morning P.E. class like swimming or tennis and then get a student parking pass as well as all the hot showers if in an urban area for a few months.

OMG!!! I never would have thought of that. But yeah. Register at the local community college, get the parking pass which could possibly be turned into free overnight parking with some buttering up of the night time security. The classes one registers for can be the fun interesting ones and without pressure to get good grades. You are a genius, bullfrog!

 

[caretaker]

marinas

 

[bullfrog]

Most college campuses sell a visitor parking pass. I know my son's does as we have spent a few nights at $10 a night but weekends are free. I took a gym class first period and made several friends that lived in a van on campus with a parking pass. Most worked fast food joints until closing, came in late, rotated parking spots and brought cold pizza to our early morning study groups then would play tennis, shower and go to class.

 

[Omar]

Has anyone heard of or joined http://rvgolfclub.com/ ?  I can't tell if it's legit or not. For $99. Yr you can park in golf club parking lots. Says you don't even need to golf. Can someone check this out. Can't afford to be scammed, by sounds like me a good place to park free. Thanks, Omar

 

[Omar]

Casinos. Large, free, other vans, busses, RV's

 

[user 37446]

Casinos. Large, free, other vans, busses, RV's

Gotta' watch those. I drive through NM and they have a lot of casino's, however most are patrolled and I've read threads about people being told to "move on" if they couldn't prove they were gambling.

Try this website: http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations

 

[Kenwrite]

I know of 3 universities that have allowed overnight RV parking at certain designated lots. One is free, but don't know about other two. In all three cases the parking lots were out at edge of town (southern college towns) and the lots had been built so that students living off campus out of town could park there and take a shuttle bus (may or may not be free) to campus. Cuts down on in-town congestion and parking overload.
Although I'm not mobile yet, I called my old almer tomater and as a "what if" question. I was told that one overnight wouldn't be a problem but more than that i should call the Campus Police for possible pass.
Many Universities have libraries, museum and other tourist draws, so it's to their benefit to make accommodations. Plus why NOT spend time at libraries? Hell, one thing I have considered is telling a university that I'm researching their senior citizen continuing ed and I'd like to spend a day or two or three on campus or in town. And who knows? You might actually pick up an online course!
What I'm saying is get in touch with their Security and be very upfront.
Think of it from the campus cop's point of view: he/she would much rather deal with a rational happy adult, instead of drunken students and alumni on game weekends. You'll be a breath of fresh air for them.